Dr Thomlinson C of E Middle School Prospectus 1

Welcome

We hope that this prospectus gives you an insight into life at Dr Thomlinson Church of England Middle School.

We are proud of being a Church school at the heart of the local community – a place where everyone is safe, respected and encouraged to develop resilience and self-belief.

Our strong ethos strives to ensure each The broad content of our curriculum child achieves their very best; academically is enriched by covering a wide range – through a knowledge-rich, focused and of subjects, talents and future careers. sequenced curriculum (that has the scope We realise that in order for our children and ambition of the national curriculum); to be leaders in tomorrow’s world they culturally – through both the work in our will need to demonstrate positivity, classrooms and an extensive programme teamwork and a belief that everyone can of extracurricular activities and visits; spiritually improve through dedication and hard work. – through an ethos of interdependence that flows through the life of both our school and Success, progress and celebration are very wider community. much at the heart of what we do; we look forward to sharing this ever-evolving learning We aspire to achieve this by concentrating journey with you. on each child’s needs and well-being. It is centred around the development of core Do not hesitate to contact us on 01669 620287 values that address the key focus of “Where if you require any further information or to every child matters, every child succeeds”. request a tour of our school.

Our exciting and enquiry-based curriculum We look forward to meeting you. is designed to both engage and challenge our children to develop creative and interdependent thinking through strong oracy skills. We endeavour to nurture a thirst for learning Liam Murtagh and a love of reading in all of our children. Headteacher 2 3

About us Our purpose

The first Dr Thomlinson School was built in Rothbury in 1720 when the Our purpose is to provide a broad, balanced and relevant education that caters Reverend Doctor Thomlinson left money to found a grammar school to for the whole child in a secure and caring Christian environment. teach English, Latin and Greek. Students were also taught Accountancy and instructed on the Catechism. We provide an education that enables • base the whole life of the school all learners to achieve their full potential. upon Christian core values Our present school was built in June 1965 well as three first schools, Abbeyfields, Thropton and first opened as a Secondary Modern and Harbottle. All the schools have a long As individuals and as a community we strive for the very best. We: • have an open and welcoming school School before becoming a Middle School and proud history of providing an excellent for all students that provides a safe, for children aged 9-13 years. education service to their local populations. caring and stimulating environment in which spiritual values and “Highly effective senior leaders, middle leaders and human relationships are nurtured teachers ensure that the majority of pupils, whatever their starting points, make good progress and those • pursue excellence in every who need to catch up do so quickly.” aspect of school life Ofsted, 2016 • help students acquire the skills, concepts and positive attitudes that Working in partnership with the Church of The Learning Trust is managed by a single will help them develop spiritual England and the Local Education Authority, our Board of Directors to ensure the integration Voluntary Aided School serves a large rural area. of educational provision for students aged values, self-understanding and between 3 and 19. sensitivity to others in accordance We are part of The Three Rivers Learning Trust. with Christian teaching Our Trust was established in 2011 and consists Children from Dr Thomlinson’s normally of a single high school, The King Edward VI transfer to The King Edward VI School at the • are a focal point for our community High School and three feeder middle schools, age of 13. Dr Thomlinson, Chantry and Newminster, as so that expertise and resources can be shared for the benefit of all 4 5

Teaching Curriculum and learning support

We have the highest expectations The learning support team at Dr Thomlinson of our students. Church of England Middle School strives to ensure that all students receive a broad and We are determined to ensure that each child balanced curriculum relevant to their needs. achieves the very best academically, socially and personally. Our curriculum is designed All of our students make good progress to engage students and inspire them to because well-timed intervention and individual become creative and independent thinkers programmes really sustain their learning. with a love of learning. Our progressive and We have a proven track record of supporting innovative curriculum has received national and developing students of all abilities. recognition through awards such as The Rolls Royce Science Prize. Similarly, our rich Our Special Education Needs Coordinator, and varied curriculum is demonstrated by Mrs Rebecca Moss, can be contacted through our school’s Education Quality Marks in the school office and a copy of the school’s Religious Education, Science and Geography. SEND Information Report is available via the Our aim is that students will leave us with the school website. skills and knowledge that will enable them The school has to be confident and successful citizens of clear and effective the twenty-first century. systems for checking on pupils’ progress in order to identify any “Staff are really willing to help students, both with individuals or groups their subjects and in extra-curricular activities.” who need extra help. Student Ofsted, 2016 6 7

Collective worship

In accordance with both our Trust Deeds and statutory requirements, the collective worship of our school is placed at the centre of our daily life.

Worship is organised on both class and a whole school basis and is led by staff, students and visitors. One of the ways our school fulfils its Christian character is by having termly services in our local church, All Saints Church, and by inviting the clergy into school once each week Well-planned, to lead our worship. meaningful,

We can reassure parents, however, that our age appropriate school exerts no pressure on children to worship is offered. become worshipping Christians or to take part in any activity that will compromise their own family faith or lack of faith. The spiritual, SIAMS, 2016 social, cultural and moral welfare of all students, whatever their background, is of prime concern to us as a school. However Christian values are definitely built into our ethos and teaching, and are reflected in the cycle of themes on which our daily acts of worship are based. 8 9

Religious education

In our school students experience an environment where a religious view of life is affirmed, and where their personal quest for meaning and purpose in life is encouraged.

Our students acquire a knowledge and Syllabus. The Education Reform Act obliges understanding of Christianity as a world-wide, all schools to provide Religious Education, multi-cultural living faith, whilst studying the and gives parents/carers the option to request beliefs and practices of other world religions that their child be withdrawn from both these such as Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. lessons and our acts of collective worship. If parents/carers have doubts or difficulties Children have religious education lessons each about Religious Education or our Collective week, following a carefully planned programme Worship, they are asked to discuss them with of topics based on the Newcastle Diocese the Headteacher.

“Religious Education is extremely well-led and managed. It anchors the school’s values allowing learners to test out their ideas safely and to make personal choices.” SIAMS, 2016 10 11

“ A hockey festival organised by Dr Thomlinson Middle School inspired me to take up hockey at my local club.” Student Enrichment

We have an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities and field trips, covering a wide range of subjects, talents and hobbies.

We actively encourage students to get involved “The outstanding and contribute to the life of the school as we seek to enable every child to flourish. opportunities provided through the curriculum Sport An important element of the extra-curricular and extra-curricular life of the school is our House system. On entry activities enable learners to the school, each pupil is allocated to one of Dr Thomlinson Church of England Middle “Sport at Dr Thomlinson three House groups. These groups are named to reflect on their personal School offers a wide range of sporting after the Northumberland Saints: St Aidan, values and beliefs.” opportunities for its students, with all Middle School has allowed me to participate in a wide range St Bede and St Cuthbert. SIAMS, 2016 children participating in at least two hours of sport a week. of sports, some of which I had House Captains are elected each year and never experienced before.” they lead their Houses in a range of activities We enjoy the benefits of a swimming pool including termly Inter-House sports matches. which is owned by the school and run by Student House points are awarded for good work, “The visit to the Euro Space the Rothbury Pool and Fitness Centre. behaviour and effort, initiative, organising Centre in Belgium has really events and for those students who go the made me want to take Our extensive programme of Inter-House extra mile. competitions is combined with an exciting up a career in Science.” menu of sporting extra-curricular activities. Success and celebration is very much at Student the heart of what we do and the House Our school has enjoyed a number of regional Cup is presented to the winning House sporting successes in sports as diverse as in a Celebration Assembly each week. rowing, football, tag rugby and table tennis. 12

Admissions

A full copy of our Admissions criteria, including and Rothbury. Students also come to us from our over-subscription criteria, the areas served by Swarland First School and can be found on our website Longhorsley St Helen’s Church of England Aided www.drthomlinson.the3rivers.net. First School, as well as locations further afield.

The governing body of Dr Thomlinson All admissions are dealt with by Voluntary Aided Church of England Middle Northumberland County Council School is the Admissions Authority for the and information on the admission school. There are placed for up to 60 pupils in process can be found on their website Year 5 and subsequently in Years 6, 7 and 8. www.northumberland.gov.uk. Most of our students come to us at the age of 9 from the First Schools of Harbottle, Thropton

“Pastoral care nurtures the uniqueness of each learner resulting in strong relationships, positive attitudes, high levels of self-esteem and confidence in learning.” SIAMS, 2016 Dr Thomlinson Headteacher C of E Middle School Mr Liam Murtagh Silverton Lane Chief Executive Officer Rothbury Mr Simon Taylor Morpeth Northumberland Chair of Board of Trustees NE65 7RJ Mr Paul Carvin Telephone 01669 620287 Website drthomlinson.the3rivers.net Email [email protected] @DrThomlinson